Rosemount Project Update
PREAMBLE
The Rosemount Revitalization is a project that started following the 100-year anniversary of the Ottawa Public Library branch in 2018. The project’s goal was to extensively renovate and refresh the branch, address building condition and accessibility issues, improve efficiencies, and modestly increase public floor space.
UPDATE - July 21, 2021
Given provincial restrictions amid the global pandemic the first floor of the Rosemount branch opened to the public on December 3rd, 2020. Access to the entire branch was available as of July 5th, 2021, when the public was able to access both floors and all spaces of the newly revitalized facility.
This makeover not only brought the historic branch back to life but also brought the community closer to the library. The project was the result of a mutual effort between residents / OPL customers who gave their ideas for improvements to better serve the community's needs.
The most prominent and visible change is an enlarged vestibule topped by a glass reading room named the Lantern room, a reading nook filled with natural light. OPL customers are welcome to sit and enjoy the view, catch up on some readings or work, chat with friends, or take some time to find the hidden words (in both English and French) in the Lantern room’s glass windows.
Inside, the ground floor has been redeveloped to provide two public meeting rooms and more efficient supporting spaces such as modernized washrooms and a book processing room. Upstairs, the space has been rejuvenated while respecting and enhancing the heritage character of the original building. Indeed, art played a huge role in bringing a modern touch to the centenary branch by adding a pop of color while keeping the original architectural beams of the library and updating windows to add more natural light.
From renovated reading spaces, new areas for teens and children, computers and other spaces, the Rosemount branch is with no doubt a pillar for the community.
For those who have not yet had the chance to visit the Rosemount branch, you can watch the virtual opening tour below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30i4kO_1RY&t=9s
UPDATE - September 3, 2020
Construction on the project resumed in May following a provincially mandated shut down due to the pandemic. Work is proceeding at a steady pace with all COVID-19 safety procedures in place. Based on the delay, staff will confirm a reopening timeline in the coming weeks.
The inside of the building is nearing completion with drywall and ceilings complete, lights installed, and interior doors installed and finished. The three new washrooms are complete and the height adjustable adult change table in the accessible washroom is in place. Millwork for the service hub, computer workstations, and catalogue and print stations are almost finished.
September will see the landscaping finished and the beginning of the window installation. The bird-friendly glass for the reading room “lantern” is in production and will be the final piece of the project to be put in place. The lantern structure will be covered in tarps until the glass arrives to allow the interior finishing to continue.
UPDATE - May 6, 2020
Construction work on the project was put on hold for the month of April as a result of the provincial order to pause construction on nonessential projects. Impacts to the project schedule will be assessed at a later date.
Prior to the closure, work was proceeding according to schedule. Most of the concrete has been poured. The concrete for the exterior ramp and stairs were waiting for favourable weather and will be completed when work resumes. The new rear exit stair structure has been built. Mechanical and electrical systems are roughed in, door and window frames are in place and most of the interior drywall is complete.
UPDATE – February 20, 2020
Demolition is complete and the new spaces are now taking shape. The beams in the main Reading Room are fully exposed and it is ready for a new ceiling. The Teen Space, where the Librarian’s office used to be, is now part of the main room and is ready for wall finishes. The upper windows in the Children’s space, which are being reinstated, are open on the inside and the glazing will be installed in the Spring. Downstairs, the walls are framed for the new Boardroom and washrooms and the openings have been made in the brick wall between the two halves of the building to improve circulation and visibility. In the lower back staff area, the steel beams have been raised to create code complaint headroom. The web of the steel beam was tripled in width and the lower flange doubled to allow the reduced depth. The contractor has built a scaffold and tarp enclosure around where the new rear exit stair will be built so that the block walls can be erected over the next few weeks. The front reading room will be erected in the Spring.
UPDATE – November 05, 2019
The construction of the revitalized branch has been underway for 3 months now and work is progressing well. Almost all the demolition work is complete. The bare bones of the building have been exposed and reconstruction work will begin soon. The beautiful cove detail of the ceiling beams in the main room was discovered and will be preserved in the final space. The foundations are in place for the new additions and the under-slab plumbing for the new washrooms is complete.
UPDATE - October 08, 2019
The sidewalk in front of the Rosemount branch is under contruction and access is limited. This closure is required in order to install the foundations for the new retaining wall, stairs and ramp. Pedestrian access will be closed until the end of October when the new sidewalk will be in place.
UPDATE - August 14, 2019
The contract to undertake the Rosemount Revitalization project was awarded to Bradford Construction Limited. Work on site has begun the week of August 12 and will be completed in the summer of 2020.
On June 13, 2019, the City of Ottawa announced that local artist Daniel Martelock was the successful candidate for an Artist in Residence program to create a piece of public art for the revitalized Rosemount branch. Daniel has been engaging with the community over the summer at local festivals and events. Drop by 1207 Wellington Street West to see examples of Daniel’s work.
UPDATE - May 14, 2019
The Rosemount branch will be closed for renovations as of Monday, June 3, 2019 until spring 2020 when the branch will re-open. A temporary storefront location will open at 1207 Wellington Street West on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 and will offer most of the same services on a smaller scale. Customers can pick up their holds and can return items at the temporary location, as well as at any of OPL’s 32 other branches.
Services available at the temporary location:
- Return borrowed materials (items can be returned 24/7 through a book drop by the entrance)
- Pick up holds
- WiFi, Chromebooks and public printing
- Browse and borrow EXPRESS items and a small, but diverse, collection of regular materials
- Newspapers that can be read at the location
Hours of the temporary location
Monday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday:10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
There is 90-minute free parking on Wellington Street, a pay parking lot just west of the temporary location, and metered parking on Hamilton Avenue just east of the temporary location.
To access other Library services during the closure, the nearest branches within 5 km are the Main branch at 120 Metcalfe and the Sunnyside branch at 1049 Bank. Emerald Plaza branch at 1547 Merivale and the Carlingwood branch at 281 Woodroffe are within 8 km of Rosemount branch.
Revitalizing and renovating the Rosemount branch will enhance the customer experience by significantly increasing public space, improving and expanding seating options, enlarging and improving the entrance, allowing more natural light, and incorporating public art. It will also address building code deficiencies, meet accessibility requirements and restore heritage character.
UPDATE - February 6, 2019
Below are three images from +VG Architects of the final design for a revitalized Rosemount branch, as presented at the meeting of the Ottawa Public Library Board on February 5. Pending approval of the OPL budget in March 2019, construction will begin in Spring 2019 and take 10 to 12 months to complete. Services will be provided at a temporary location, at 1207 Wellington West, during the closure.
Features of the Revitalized Branch:
- 25% increase in public floor area
- 78% increase in public seating 2 bookable meeting rooms
- Prominent front entry, larger vestibule
- New front reading room on upper level
- Dedicated Children’s and Teen’s areas
- Re-opened west windows Improved lighting and more electrical outlets
- Ecologically sustainable materials and finishes
- Energy efficient lighting and equipment
- New washrooms, including a Universal washroom, accessible to all genders accessible
- Addition of water fountain
- Enhancement of historical character Improved accessibility
- Outdoor amenities – bike & stroller parking Public Art installation
UPDATE - January 18, 2019
Rosemount Revitalization FAQs
- What will the library look like after the revitalization?
- Outside, the most prominent change will be a new, enlarged vestibule topped by a glass reading room. This reading room will act as a beacon inviting customers into the library. Inside, the ground floor will be redeveloped to provide two public meeting rooms and more efficient supporting spaces such as modernized washrooms and a book processing room. Upstairs, the space will be rejuvenated while respecting and enhancing the heritage character. There will be a dedicated children’s area in the back wing and spaces in the front reading room for books, computers, reading, study and a dedicated teen zone.
- Will there be an addition to the building?
- There will be a new front entrance, a glass reading room and a rear exit stairway. The property upon which the branch sits is too small to expand further.
- What is it going to cost?
- Pending Board approval in March 2019, Ottawa Public Library will be spending $2.4 million on this project, which is the largest branch revitalization budget to date.
- Who is the architect?
- +VG Architects (The Ventin Group Ltd.) of Ottawa have been selected as the architectural firm for the project following a request for proposal process. The firm has excellent library experience including the renovation of eight other Carnegie libraries in Ontario.
- How can I participate in the design?
- Public engagement took place over the fall of 2018. There were 698 respondents to an on-line survey, 107 people attended or responded to an October open house and close to 200 people were engaged during two information sessions in December. The final design will be unveiled in February 2019.
- When will construction start?
- Construction is planned for spring 2019.
- How long will construction take?
- We expect that the construction will be completed by spring 2020.
- Will the branch be open during construction?
- The Rosemount branch will operated out of a temporary storefront location at 1207 Wellington St. W. during the construction period.
- How will this affect employees?
- You will see many employees working at the temporary location. Other employees will be working at other branches during the revitalization.
- Will there be programs during the revitalization?
- Staff are investigating options for providing programs at other sites in the community.
- Where can I pick up my holds during the revitalization?
- Holds will be available at the temporary location.
- I usually return my books at the branch. Will I be able to do this at the temporary location?
- The temporary location will accept returns during the revitalization. Returns can also be made at any of the other 32 OPL branches.
- What Library services will be available at the temporary location?
- The temporary location will offer all the same services, but in a limited space and capacity.
- Is there parking at the temporary location?
- There is 90-minute free parking on Wellington St., a pay parking lot just west of the temporary location, and metered parking on Hamilton Avenue just east of the temporary location.
- Where are the closest other branches?
- Sunnyside branch and Main branch are within 5 km of Rosemount branch.
- Emerald Plaza branch and Carlingwood branch are within 8 km of Rosemount branch.
- Where can I get more information?
- Visit the new Rosemount Revitalization webpage for more information https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/rosemount-revitalization .
UPDATE - December 12, 2018
Yesterday, at the meeting of the Ottawa Public Library Board, the Board directed staff to include an additional $400K in capital funding for revitalizing the busy 100-year-old Rosemount branch of the Ottawa Public Library. The extra 20 percent on the project’s $2M budget will allow the revitalization to better address input and ideas from the community and significantly enhance the customer experience.
The enhanced design option will include all aspects of the basic design and will add 150 square feet of additional public space, improved seating options, better showcasing of the branch’s historical character, additional sustainability features, greater natural light, public art, a glass “reading room” and a more welcoming and prominent entry to the branch. Without the additional funding, the $2M design renovation would have met operational, building code and accessibility requirements; preserved key heritage elements, incorporated some sustainability elements and modestly increased public floor space. The Board agreed that the improved customer experience provided by the enhanced design justifies the extra cost.
The community is invited to view the preliminary enhanced design at two Open Houses to be held at the branch, 18 Rosemount Avenue, on Thursday, December 13 from 6 to 8 pm Saturday, December 15 from noon to 2 pm. The preliminary enhanced design can also be viewed on the OPL website.
Construction work is anticipated to start in spring 2019 for completion in late in 2019 during which Library services will be provided at a nearby temporary location.
UPDATE - December 4, 2018
There will be two Open House sessions at the Rosemount branch:
Come by the branch at 18 Rosemount Ave. to see the preliminary design and share your comments.
UPDATE – October 4, 2018
Thanks to everyone who attended the Open House session yesterday to provide feedback on the architectural approach to revitalizing OPL’s Rosemount branch. For those who were not able to attend, or who would like to view the presentation by +VG architects who have been hired to carry out the revitalization, including much of the public consultation, you can view the full presentation here.
UPDATE – September 13, 2018
Rosemount branch is undergoing revitalization and community input will be key to the success of the project.
There will be three main opportunities for the public to share their thoughts:
- Complete a preliminary online survey
- Join us at the Rosemount Revitalization Open House – or provide feedback online further to the information presented
- Provide input on the design concept (to be released in December; more information to follow).
Preliminary Online Survey
We know that the Rosemount branch plays an important role in its community. This survey will help us understand more about typical customer visits to the branch, and public opinions regarding heritage, architecture, layout, accessibility, technology, and the overall use and function of the building.
This bilingual survey should take no more than seven minutes to complete, and is available here.
Rosemount Revitalization Open House – October 3, 2018 6 pm to 8 pm
OPL will be hosting a Rosemount Revitalization Open House on October 3, 2018 between 6 p.m. and 8 pm. The public can meet with the architectural team (+VG) leading the revitalization to learn more about the project scope and potential options for the building layout and design. Members of the public can share their thoughts and wants as we work together to revitalize this important community branch. The Open House is a drop-in format.
For anyone who cannot make it to the Open House, a version of the presented materials as well as options to provide feedback will be available online. Please check back here on October 4, 2018!
Design Concept
In December, the architectural team will return to the OPL Board with the design concept. Following this release, the public will have an opportunity to review the design in the community. More information to follow in November.
Ottawa Public Library has engaged +VG Architects to design the revitalization of the Rosemount branch. This project will extensively renovate and refresh the branch, address building condition and accessibility issues, improve efficiencies, and modestly increase public floor space.
+VG Architects is an award-winning architectural firm known for innovative approaches to their design. Carnegie Library upgrade projects represent a core competency of their experience; having completed projects at eight of Ontario’s remaining Carnegie Libraries (more than 10%).
Overall Design Objectives:
- Provide functional, flexible library spaces by creating multi-use areas with open sightlines;
- Rehabilitate building elements, while retaining and complementing the building’s historic character;
- Address accessibility requirements;
- Address sustainability requirements;
- Address building code requirements;
- and Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
Public input is a key to the success of the Rosemount Revitalization, and is set to begin in early Fall 2018. More information and specific dates to follow in September 2018. Construction is tentatively set to begin in April 2019, at which time the branch will be closed for revitalization. Service to the community will continue at a temporary site at 1207 Wellington Street West.
Rosemount Revitalization FAQs
- What will the library look like after the revitalization?
- The design solution will depend on the feedback received through the public engagement process. We expect that the building will have a new entrance that will be more in keeping with the heritage architecture. Inside, we are looking forward to more light, new furniture, and flexible, functional spaces.
- Will there be an addition to the building?
- There will be a new front entrance and a rear stairway. The property upon which the branch sits is too small to expand further.
- What is it going to cost?
- Ottawa Public Library will be spending $2 million on this project, which is the largest branch revitalization budget to date.
- Who is the architect?
- +VG Architects (The Ventin Group Ltd.) of Ottawa have been selected as the architectural firm for the project following a request for proposal process. The firm has excellent library experience including the renovation of eight other Carnegie libraries in Ontario.
- How can I participate in the design?
- Public engagement will begin in early fall. More information and specific dates will be available in September.
- When will construction start?
- Construction is planned for spring 2019.
- How long will construction take?
- We expect that the construction will be completed by spring 2020.
- Will the branch be open during construction?
- The Rosemount branch will operated out of a temporary storefront location at 1207 Wellington St. W. during the construction period.
- How will this affect employees?
- You will see many employees working at the temporary location. Other employees will be working at other branches during the revitalization.
- Will there be programs during the revitalization?
- Staff are investigating options for providing programs at other sites in the community.
- Where can I pick up my holds during the revitalization?
- Holds will be available at the temporary location.
- I usually return my books at the branch. Will I be able to do this at the temporary location?
- The temporary location will accept returns during the revitalization. Returns can also be made at any of the other 32 OPL branches.
- Is there parking at the temporary location?
- There is 90 minute free parking on Wellington St., a pay parking lot just west of the temporary location, and metered parking on Hamilton Avenue just east of the temporary location.
- Where are the closest other branches?
- Sunnyside branch and Main branch are within 5 km of Rosemount branch.
- Emerald Plaza branch and Carlingwood branch are within 8km of Rosemount branch.